Novel writing involves a large amount of creativity as well as writing techniques that engage the reader, building the tension and suspense needed to create a page-turner. One of the techniques used by bestselling writers is subplots. A writer needs to be cognizant not only of the main plot and pacing, but of the subplots and their implications to the main plot.
Subplots Add Interest
Subplots help the reader engage with characters other than the main character. For example, the main character may have a problem with his marriage. His wife is unhappy and wants out. A subplot might be that his daughter is happily pregnant with her first child and wants her parents to share in her joy.
This subplot juxtaposes the main plot with another line of interest for the reader to follow. Yet it still affects the main plot line, and drives the main characters to act in ways they might not otherwise. Perhaps the man will work harder to save his marriage for the sake of his daughter’s happiness. On the other hand, he may decide to throw in the towel when he considers how happy she is and how miserable he feels.
A third subplot could be that, unbeknownst to the daughter, her husband has developed a drug problem. Feeling the pressures of impending parenthood, he tries to work harder to be a good provider and takes drugs to give him the extra boost of energy he needs to keep going. This will affect the first subplot, the daughter’s pregnancy, as well as the main plot, the man and his marriage. They will need to pull together as a family to see this crisis through.
Subplots Add Depth and Texture
Just as wallpaper with a single pattern can become dull and boring, so can a novel that has only one plot line. A reader may tire of the plot and move on to another book, without additional layers of intriguing plotting to hold the interest. Wallpaper that has depth and texture catches the eye, as will a novel with depth.
Layering Subplots
Each subplot should build upon another, so that all the plot threads tie together like a woven blanket, showing a defined pattern. In a novel this pattern will be the overarching theme that the reader takes away from the story.
Soap operas commonly have ten or more plot lines going at one time. The different layers of plotting keep the viewers returning, day after day. Ten plot lines are too much for the average novel, but it’s advisable to include at least three subplots.
Writing a novel with plenty of plot and subplots will add tension, depth, texture, and ensure the readers keep turning the pages, long after everyone else in the house has gone to bed.
Suzanne Pitner - Suzanne Pitner is a teacher and published writer. A member of RWA and YARWA, she writes fiction as Suzanne Lilly.
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